Discrimination Based on Ethnic Affiliation 2011

8/3/2019 Discrimination Based on Ethnic Affiliation 2011

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MCIC Discrimination in Macedonian on the Grounds of Ethnic Origin

2

Publisher

Macedonian Center for International Cooperation

For the Editors

Sao Klekovski, First Executive Director

Aleksandar Kralovski, Executive Director

Author

Aleksandar Kralovski

Translation

Marija Jovanovska

Prepared by

Daniela Stojanova, MCIC

ISBN 978-608-4617-11-2

Opinions expressed herein are of the author and do not reflect the viewpoints of the Macedonian Center for

International Cooperation.

Macedonian Center for International Cooperation

All rights reserved.

Reproduction, copying, transmission or translation of any part of this publication may be made only with a

prior permission by the publisher, or for the purpose of quotation.

The copyright of this publication is protected, but the publication may be reproduced for educational purposes

in any manner and without any compensation. For copying under other conditions, for usage in otherpublications or for translation or adaptation, prior permission by the publisher is to be provided.


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CONTENTS

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................... 4FOREWORD ...................................................................................................................................... 5INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 6EXECUTIVE SUMMARY................................................................................................................ 8I. DISCRIMINATION ON GROUNDS OF ETHIC ORIGIN .................................................... 10II. DISCRIMINATION IN INDIVIDUAL SECTORS ................................................................ 13

II.1. SECURITY AND POLICE ....................................................................................... ........................................ 14II.2. JUSTICE SYSTEM............................................................................................................................................ 15II.3. FINANCES ......................................................................................................................................................... 15II.4. AGRICULTURE ........................................................... .................................................................. ................... 16II.5. EDUCATION ..................................................................................................................................................... 16II.6. MEDIA ................................................................... ................................................................ ............................. 18

II.7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE, SPORTS, RECREATION ................................................................................... 18II.8. AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT ...................................................................... ..................................................... 18

III. POLITICAL LEADERSHIP ACCEPTABILITY ................................................................. 20IV. FIGHT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION ................................................................................. 21

ANNEXES

Annex 1: Questionnaire for Discrimination and Harassment on the Grounds of Ethnic

Origin ......................................................................................................................................... 22

Annex 2: Sample of Surveyed Citizens .................................................................................. 25

Annex 3: Topic in Focus-Groups ............................................................................................ 27


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TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The Report is using terms and definitions included in the Glossary of Expressions Related toDiscrimination (MCIC, 2009).

Discrimination means any distinction, exclusion, restriction or unequal treatment or non treatment,motivated by some past, present of future grounds which has the effect or purpose of impairing ornullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by all people of all rights and freedoms on equalbasis, respectively treating a person less favourably than another person in a comparable situation.

Discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin means different treatment of a person for belongingto a specific ethnic community.

Harassment means undesirable conduct related to some of the grounds of discrimination,

irrespective whether it is manifested in a physical, verbal or any other manner with the purpose oreffect of violating the dignity of a given person or of creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading,humiliating or offensive environment, access or practice.

The public sector is part of the economic and administrative life dealing with distribution of goodsand services from and to the state, i.e. which is under the supervision by the central, regional orlocal authorities.

Public services (services and other services) means all services performed for the general interestand professionally offered by any private or state establishment, organizations, or institution, i.e.provided by a specific body or a state institution.

Quota is a compulsory, fixes number of positions or vacancies that may be filled only withmembers of specific minority community.

Stigma/stigmatization is undesirable or disreputable characteristic attributed to a person or groupof persons aimed at devaluating, degrading the status of such person or group before thecommunity.

Tolerance is ability to accept and respect convictions and social values of other persons or groupsof persons.


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INTRODUCTION

This Report gives an analysis of the findings from the Discrimination in Macedonia on the Groundsof Ethnic Origin Survey, conducted for the first time on a national representative sample of thecitizens of the Republic of Macedonia.

The aim of the research was to examine the perception that the citizens have on this issue, as asupplement to this Survey.

MCIC entrusted this public opinion poll, on which this Report is also based, to the Institute forDemocracy Societas Civilis from Skopje (IDSC), which was also responsible for the methodologicalcorrectness of the Survey.

The IDSC conducted this research in the form of field survey interviews face-to-face with

households in December 2010, on a representative sample of 1.074 respondents. In addition, twofocus-groups were set-up to validate the findings.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire was prepared on the basis of questionnaires from similar surveys conducted byMCIC, as well as on the basis of the global research on values. The questions were developed bythe MCIC Working Group as follows: Sao Klekovski, Aleksandar Kralovski and DanielaStojanova.

For the purpose of meeting the objectives of this Survey, the questionnaire covered the followingtopics:

- Context;

- Discrimination in six particular sectors: security and police; judiciary; finances; agriculture;education, media; and the field of employment;

- Leading functions and combating discrimination; and,

- Socio-demographic characteristics.

The questionnaire is given in Annex 1 in its full format.

Sample

The survey was conducted in December 2010 on a representative sample of 1.074 respondents.The population frame of the sample included citizens older than 18 years of age, while the criteriafor the representativity were: sex, ethnic origin, age, and regions.

Out of 1.074 respondents, 47.1% were women, while 52.9% men. With regards to the ethnic

representation, the Macedonians participated with 66.9%, the Albanians with 24.4%, while theother ethnic groups were represented with 8.8%. With regards to the place of residence, the ruralpopulation was represented with 28.4%, while the urban with 71.6% (the City of Skopje with17.2%). A full overview of the sample is given in Annex 2.

The socio-demographic characteristics also covered the religion, age, employment status, theirperception on the social status, monthly income, their inclination to specific political parties andother. Comments on these parameters were given only in cases of significant (over 5%) deviationsfrom the general results.

Focus-Groups

After the Survey was completed, two focus-groups were set-up, one consisting of ethnicMacedonians and ethnic Roma, and the other one of ethnic Albanians, for the purpose of checking

some of the results. Each group consisted of six participants. The subject of discussion in thegroups was six topics where there were differences in the perceptions among the citizens fromdifferent ethnic origin. The overview of the topics is given in Annex 3.


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Data Processing and Presentation of Results

The collected data were processed depending on the frequency and proportion of answers. Theprobability of data exactness is 95% and an error of +/- 5%. The results are presented in theFigures at the level of the whole sample. Apart from the Figures, the data are also presented infigures.

The Report gives no comments on socio-demographic analysis regarding the less numerous ethniccommunities and other less numerous socio-demographic groups due to their insignificantparticipation in the national sample.

Some tables and Figures of the Report, do not present the results regarding I dont know and Noanswer because the sum of all answers is not 100%. This is done for the purpose of simplifyingthe presentation of the results.

Regarding questions where a comparison of two opposing statements is needed (with points from1 10), the interpretation of the results was made in accordance with principle of matching theanswers 1-5 with the first statement, and 6-10 with the second (opposing) statement. There weresignificant clustering towards some of the points exists (most frequently 1 or 10), an additionalcomment is given.

The term insignificant minority is used for answers provided by less than 10% of the sample, smallminority for 11% to 30%, a minority for 30% to 50%, a majority for 51% to 70%, and large majorityfor over 70%.

In the Figures, the terms Macedonian and Albanian denote the ethnic origin of the respondents.

Given that the questions were similar/identical, whenever possible, the findings of this researchwere compared with the results from a similar research conducted in 2009 (Beka-Petroska, V.,Najevska, ., 2009). The reference to the data from that research was made by stating the year(2009).


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Report gives an analysis of the findings from the Discrimination in Macedonia on the Groundsof Ethnic Origin survey, conducted as a part of MCIC project, financially supported by the OSCE.The public opinion poll itself, was conducted by the Institute for Democracy Societas Civilis Skopje (IDSCS), in December 2010, on a sample of 1.074 respondents, representative on thegrounds of sex, ethnic origin and regions.

The aim was to examine the perception that the citizens have on the discrimination on ethnicgrounds, but also their personal experiences as victims or witnesses of discrimination, in general

and in individual sectors and areas. A comparison with a similar research conducted in 2009 wasmade as well.

The majority of citizens (53.3%) believe that there is discrimination in Macedonia, while theground ofethnic discrimination, is the second most represented (subsequent to the politicalparty affiliation).

The registered perceived discrimination of 67.7% is more than double by its extent than theexperienced discrimination (as a victim or witness) 31.9%. Nevertheless, it should be notedthat this percentage speaks about relatively high level of discrimination on the grounds of ethnicorigin.

Such differences, as well as pointing out to concrete examples, indicate that non-discriminationis still a developing concept in Macedonia, and that there are significant differences in how thisconcept and terms are understood, how the behaviour is interpreted and adequately reacted upon(reported cases).

The opinion prevails that during the past five years, the discrimination was more frequent.

According to the citizens personal experiences, the most usual areas of discrimination on thegrounds of ethnic origin are: working relations (employment), services in the public sector (publicadministration, and, in particular, policeand health services), but also in private services (caf-bars, discotheques, swimming-pools), as well as the education.

Opinions prevail that there is discrimination in all surveyed individual sectors, while in foursectors (health, education, judiciary and security/police) those are majority opinions (over 50% ofthe respondents).

In addition, the ethnic Albanians believe that, due to the ethnic origin there is morepronounced discrimination in the sectors of agriculture and culture.

There are also differences on ethnic grounds to the questions regarding the perception on theoperation of the police, the distribution of the budget, (non)payment of taxes, distribution ofsubsidies, the level ofintegration in schools.

Most of the citizens (79%) believe that the discrimination in the area of employment is morefrequent in the state sector, than in the private sector (54%).

In general, there is still majority support (57.9%) for a member of other ethnic community to beelected for high-ranking political function, although such support has been reduced in comparisonwith 2009 (66%).


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For the majority of citizens of Macedonia, it is acceptable for a member of other ethnic communityto hold one of the following offices (according to the proportion of answers Yes and No from 1.3to 1): Ministers for finance and justice, Public Prosecutor, Ombudsman, President of the JudiciaryCouncil, Governor of the National Bank, President of the Parliament, President of theConstitutional Court and Supreme Court.

There is minority support for a member of other ethnic community to be elected to hold an officeof: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defence and Minister of Interior, Chief of the GeneralStaff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM), while the least acceptable is for the office ofPresident of the Government and President of the Republic of Macedonia.

In all the cases there is minority support by ethnic Macedonians (from 24% to 45%) while by theethnic Albanians there is a significant majority (from 70% to 78%).

The significant majority of72% citizens would report a case of discrimination on the grounds ofethnic origin if it happened to them, or if they were witnesses.

This is not in accordance with their answers to the questions about their personal experienceswith cases of discrimination (victims or witnesses) of 31.9% and the practice (the number of

cases reported to the institutions during the recent years, of approximately 20 cases annually allto the Ombudsman of the Republic of Macedonia).

In contrast to its perceived discriminatory treatment, the Police is an institution to which most ofthe citizens would refer to in case of discrimination (for the ethnic Albanians, after theOmbudsman, next to turn to are the Police).


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MCIC Discrimination in Macedonia on the Grounds of Ethnic Origin

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I. DISCRIMINATION ON GROUNDS OF ETHIC ORIGIN

In order to get an impression about the general level of discrimination on the grounds of ethnic

origin, several questions on perception are posed in relation to the other grounds of discrimination,and the present situation in relation to the one five years before, as well as the personalexperiences (victims or witnesses), to an act/case of discrimination.

Perception on Discrimination on Different Grounds

Majority of citizens (53.5%, taking a median value from all answers with Yes on all grounds)believe that the discrimination is (very or rather) frequent phenomenon in Macedonia, opposite to40.1% who believe that it is very or rather seldom or that it is completely non-existent.

Convincingly the most frequent grounds for discrimination is the partisanship affiliation, for which89.9% of the citizens believe that it is a frequent phenomenon. The majority of citizens also pointout as frequent the following grounds: the ethnic origin (67.7%), the handicap (53.8%) and thesexual orientation 53.3%. More rare are the cases of discrimination (minority of respondentsdeclared that it is frequent phenomenon) on the grounds on religion or conviction (45%), age(39.8%) and sex/gender (37.3%). The number of undecided citizens is the greatest when they areto recognize discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation over 10% of the citizensresponded with I dont know or did not give any answer (with the others, this percentage is from 2to 5).

Figure 1: Perception of frequency of discrimination on different grounds in 2010

The discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin is perceived as second most frequent grounds(after party affiliation) in our society. This is believed by the greatest part of the ethnic Albanians(84.7%), but also by the majority of ethnic Macedonians (60.4%). Similar is also the distribution

according to religion 60.7% of the Christians and 82.4% of the Muslims.Compared with 2009, the arrangement of the rate of frequency of different grounds ofdiscrimination is the same, with the exception of the age, which at that time was the third mostfrequent grounds, and the grounds sex/gender - which came before the religion/conviction. Whatrepresents more remarkable change is that in all grounds there is a greater percentage of answerswith frequent and rather frequent, in average for 9.5 percentage points, indicating a perceptionfor frequent discrimination. On the grounds of ethnic origin, the increase is for 13 percentage points(67.7% in 2010 opposite to 54.6% in 2009).

With regards to the reasons for discrimination, the participants in the focus-group stated thefollowing: not being familiar with the other, especially (in person), the image that media createabout the ethnic communities, respectively the power of more numerous communities, but also as

an influence from wider social factors: unemployment, poverty, nationalism, the role of the family(traditional, patriarchal), and also indicate to the long lasting existence of the discrimination.

37.3

39.8

45.0

53.5

53.8

67.7

89.9

58.7

56.7

50.0

35.6

42.0

30.3

7.4

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Sex/Gender

Age

Religious belief

Sexual orientation

Disability

Ethnic origin

Party affiliation

%Frequent Rare DK/NA


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witnesses of discrimination is somewhat smaller (58%, opposite to 42%). This is one of the rarequestions in the research where there is statistically significant difference (over 5%) with regard tothe sex.

Since all of them stated that they were victims or witnesses of discrimination, the focus-groupsbelieve that these perceptions are even better than it is the case in the reality. As arguments, theypointed out to: the fear of testifying about an observed discrimination, keep it unspoken, and evenefforts for forgetting such events. The group with ethnic Albanians believes that every Albanianwas a victim of discrimination at least once.

The respondents were also asked, as part of this question, to give an example from their personalexperience (as discriminated persons or witnesses of discrimination against other persons).Emphasis should given to the higher level of answers (19.5%) than the usual level during theprevious surveys, and the way in which they corresponded to their personal experiences in casesof discrimination, but again, most of the answers were rather general (for example, at work orduring employment, in a caf-bar, at the university, towards Roma and other).

In addition, the answers contain a mixture of personal experiences as victims and witnessing, thanthe grounds (although the question was only about the ethnic origin), and areas (for example,labour relations, health, education), pointing out specific organizations/institutions (as for exampleMoI or EVN), but not what the discrimination was about (in particular, whether it was because of

the ethnic origin), as well as formulations referring to unequal treatments, but are not consideredas discrimination (for example, quotas at the faculty).

Also, According to the examples that were given by the focus-groups, one could see even inclusionof situations which are not considered as discrimination (verbal quarrels, offences, stereotypes). Inaddition, personal stories heard from friends have an impact on disseminating the perception, asalso are recently the social networks where stereotypes and prejudices are getting stronger thusstimulating discrimination.

Conclusions

Majority of citizens (53.3%) believe that there is discrimination in Macedonia, and on thegrounds ofethnic discrimination, it is the second most represented (subsequent to the politicalaffiliation).

The registered perceived discrimination of 67.7% is more than double by its extent than theexperienced (as a victim or witness) - 31.9%. However, it should be concluded that thispercentage also speaks about relatively high level of discrimination on the grounds on ethnicorigin.

These differences, the same like pointing out concrete examples, indicate that non-discriminationis still developing concept in Macedonia, and that there are significant differences inunderstanding the notions and terms, the interpretation of behaviour and adequate reaction(reporting cases).

The opinion prevails that the discrimination is more frequent during the last 5 years.

The most frequent areas of discrimination on the grounds of ethnic discrimination, according to

the personal experiences of the citizens are: labour relations (employment), services in the publicsector (public administration, and in particular the police and health services), but also in theprivate services (caf-bars, discotheques, swimming pools), as well as education.


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II. DISCRIMINATION IN INDIVIDUAL SECTORS

Comparison of Sectors

As an introduction to the analysis on discrimination on grounds on ethnic origin in some individual

sectors, the respondents were asked to give a general assessment about the presence of this typeof discrimination in each of these sectors.

Figure 4: Perception on Discrimination in Different Areas, According to the Proportion of Answers

For all above mentioned sectors, opinions prevail that there is discrimination (in a proportion of 1.0to 2.0 to the opinions that there is no discrimination), where for four sectors (health, education,judiciary and security/police) these are majority opinions (over 50% of the respondents believe thatthere is discrimination in that sector). Relatively large percentage of citizens (from 9 to 26%) hadno opinions on this question.

In most of the sectors there is no difference, or the difference in the answers between ethnicMacedonians and ethnic Albanians is insignificant (< 5%). Agriculture and culture are an exception.Regarding the sector of agriculture, 53.1% of surveyed ethnic Albanians stated that there isdiscrimination in the provision of services, while among ethnic Macedonians this percentage is37.3%. In the area of culture this proportion is 53.8% (among Albanians), opposite to 38.7%(Macedonians).

Figure 5: Perception on Discrimination by Sectors According to Ethnic Origin

) Agriculture b) Culture

Below follow the analyzed answers of some of the selected sectors.

42.3

40.7

48.7

47.1

47.3

49.0

55.7

54.2

59.3

60.4

38.4

33.5

33.8

30.8

30.7

32.9

34.4

28.0

31.5

30.1

0 20 40 60 80 100

Culture

Agriculture

Social Services

EconomyPublic Finances

Urbanism

Security and Police

Justice System

Education

Health

%Yes No DK/NA

19.5%

27.5%

53.1%

27.0%

35.7%

37.3%

25.8%

33.5%

40.7%

0% 20% 40% 60%

DK/NA

No

Yes

Total Macedonian Albanian

14.9%

31.3%

53.8%

21.6%

39.7%

38.7%

19.4%

38.4%

42.3%

0% 20% 40% 60%

DK/NA

No

Yes

T otal M aced on ian Alb an ian


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A total of 59.3% of the respondents believe that there is discrimination in this sector on the groundsof ethnic origin, while 31.5% that there is no discrimination (the proportion is 1.88. and thereforethe education is perceived as a second sector according to the frequency of discrimination).Interestingly, the percentage of answers given by ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians aresimilar about 59% said Yes, and 32% No.

Such a perception, but also the cases of ethnic divisions, intolerance and violence in the schools,generate from several stereotypes about which the citizens were asked in this survey.

Table 4. Views on instruction-teaching related to ethnic origin

Pupils from the same ethnic communityshould study in integrated schools

50.1% 49.0%Pupils from the same ethnic communityshould study in the same school in aseparate building

Pupils from different communities in thesame school, should study in the sameshift

57.7% 41.9%Pupils from different ethnic communities in asame school should study in a different shift

Pupils from different ethnic communitiesstudying in the same language shouldstudy in ethically mixed classes

59.4% 40.0%Pupils from different ethnic communitiesstudying in the same language should studygrouped in ethnically divided classes

Roma should study grouped in ethnicallymixed classes

63.6% 36.1% Roma should study grouped in Roma classes

The first dilemma was whether pupils from the same ethnic community in one school, should studyin a separate building or in the same building (integrated/mixed environment). The citizens arecompletely divided on this question (49.0%, opposite to 50.1%), but however, the answers werethe most numerous (33.6% or every third citizens) regarding the integrated education, and thedivision also was not on ethnic grounds (47% of Macedonians and 51% of Albanians). Both focus-groups pointed out to the advantages of integrated schools, but the majority of the participantsstated that they would not send their children to such schools, mainly justifying this with theirperception on reduced security in the schools, but also the potential of conflict.

The second dilemma is whether pupils from different ethnic communities should study in a same ordifferent shift. Here there is a grater consent on integration (57.7%), but the view of the ethnicAlbanians is different, who, approximately in the same percentage, agree on studying in differentshifts.

The citizens were also asked whether pupils from different ethnic communities studying in thesame language, should study grouped in ethnically divided classes or in the same (ethnicallymixed) classes. The tendency towards greater integration is continuing (59.4%) where 40.6% aresupporting the idea that the pupils of different ethnic communities should study in the sameclasses. However, even in this case, the majority of ethnic Albanians (57.3%) prefer ethnicallydivided classes.

Figure 9: Views on Discrimination/Integration in Education on The Grounds of Ethnic Affiliation

40.8%

42.7%

42.4%

50.8%

70.5%

63.6%

61.7%

47.1%

63.6%

59.4%

57.7%

50.1%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

Roma

Mixed classes

Same shift

Integrated school

TotalMacedonian

Albanian


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I agree:

47.4%

I disagree:

23.8%

DK/NA:

28.8%

Finally, there was a separate question on the attitude towards Roma whether they should studyin separate (Roma) classes or in ethnically mixed classes. On this question the consent onintegration is the greatest 63.6% (including 45.2% with maximum consent). Again, the support tothis among the ethnic Albanians is minority (40.8% are for Yes, while 59.2% Against).

II.6. MEDIA

With regards to the media, it was of relevance for the research to examine whether the media depictthe multi-cultural reality in Macedonia sufficiently well, and whether in fact the media themselves areinstigating discrimination, stigmatization, or harassment of some ethnic community.

Figure 10: Views on Discrimination, Stigmatization or Harassment in Media

On the first question, 42.6% of thecitizens believe that the ethniccommunities are sufficiently wellpresented in the media, respectivelythat the diversity in the Macedoniansociety is well depicted in the media,while 32.6% that they are not.

Opposite to this, as far as 62.3% belie-ve that the media behave in a discri-minatory manner, i.e. theystigmatizewhen reporting on some ethniccommunities.

There is a relative ethnic balance regarding these questions, with small deviation regarding thesecond one, where 13% more ethnic Albanians than ethnic Macedonians believe that there isdiscrimination in the media presentation of ethnic communities.

II.7. PLACE OF RESIDENCE, SPORTS, RECREATION

The overwhelming majority of citizens, 74.7% believe that the citizen should live in ethnically mixedenvironments.

Also, 85.8% believe that the access to facilities for sports, recreation, entertainment, cateringshould be equal for all citizens.

In both cases there are no deviations with regards to the ethnic origin.

II.8. AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment, irrespective of the sector, is perceived as the most frequent area of discrimination(both on the grounds of ethnic origin but also on all other grounds) in this research also, as was inthe most other researches in the European Union.

Figure 11: Other Ethnic Communities Take Jobs from My Ethnic Community

Every second citizen of Macedonia (47.4%) believes that the

other ethnic communities take the jobs from their community(while 23.8% disagree with this), and that there is nodifference depending on the ethnic origin of the respondents.

According to the focus-groups, the ethnic Albanians believethat the problem is in the long-lasting previous discriminationin the state institutions and large private companies, wherethere are still predominantly ethnic Macedonians holdingpositions for decision making during employment, while theother ethnic communities point out the FrameworkAgreement which gives preference to the ethnic Albanians.

The opinion prevails (66.9% in total and 48.5% with mark 10) that in a situation when there are nopossibilities for employment, the selection should be based on objective criteria, irrespective of theethnic origin. The majority (70.9%) of ethnic Macedonians give support to this, but also 54.6% ofthe ethnic Albanians.

72.9%

40.1%

60.3%

45.4%

62.3%

42.6%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

Stigmatization

Diversity

Total

Macedonian

Albanian


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When making comparison between the state and private sector, the same like with the finances(budget, opposite to the banks), the citizens believe that there is more discrimination in the statesector (79.3%, nd 11% that there is no discrimination), contrary to the private sector, for which54% believe that there is discrimination, and 31.7% that there is no discrimination. This was alsoconfirmed by the focus-groups.

Figure 12: Discrimination during Employment in State And Private Sector

) Perception on Discrimination b) Consent on Affirmative Measures

As shown on the Figure 9. there are ethnic differences when assessing the discrimination inemployment, where the ethnic Albanians believe, in greater percentage, that it is present in thestate sector (89.3%, opposite to 75.5% of the ethnic Macedonians), while more of theMacedonians (55%) than the ethnic Albanians (49.2%) believe the same, but this time for theprivate sector.

However, they all agree that specific measures should be introduced for securing equalpossibilities for employment of persons from non-majority ethnic communities (for example, specialtraining programs, employment quotas, tax stimulations, introduction of standards on socialresponsibility and other), almost equally both in the state (73.2%) and in the private sector (67.4%),

and this is similar (66%) to the support given in 2009.Conclusions on Discrimination in Individual Sectors and Areas

Opinions prevail that there is discrimination in all surveyed individual sectors, while foursectors (health, education, judiciary and security/police) those are majority opinions (over 50% ofthe respondents).

In addition, the ethnic Albanians believe that, due to the ethnic origin there is morepronounced discrimination in the sectors of agriculture and culture.

There are also differences on ethnic grounds to the questions regarding the perception on theoperation of the police, the distribution of the budget, (non) payment of tax, distribution ofsubsidies, the level ofintegration in schools.

Most of the citizens (79%) believe that the discrimination in the area of employment is morefrequent in the state sector, than in the private sector (54%).

49.2%

89.3%

55.0%

75.5%

54.0%

79.3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 1 00%

Private

State


66.0%

73.7%

66.5%

72.0%

67.4%

73.2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Private

State



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III. POLITICAL LEADERSHIP ACCEPTABILITY

This part of the research is about the accessibility for performing high-ranking state functions bymembers of other ethnic communities, as well as the mechanisms for protection againstdiscrimination.

Figure 13: Acceptability of Other Ethnic Community for High-Ranking State OfficeFor the majority of citizens(57.9%) it is acceptable that amember of other ethnic communityis elected for high-ranking politicaloffice (opposite to 34.9% for whomit is unacceptable). While for allminority ethnic communities this isacceptable almost without anyexception acceptable, among theethnic Macedonians there is acomplete division on this question

(47.8% it is acceptable, but for43.6% it is unacceptable). Accor-ding to the focus-group with theethnic Macedonians, such support

depends on the professional execution of the function, and not giving preference to its own ethniccommunity (as, according to them, is the case with most of the present experiences). For the ethnicAlbanians, if such an office is performed by a member of other ethnic communities, than it is aboutthe level of carrying about their problems, but nonetheless they are prepared for such a situation.

Compared with 2009. the general level of support for performing high-ranking state offices bymembers of other ethnic communities is reduced from 66%, to 58%.

The support to such possibility is similar when the ethnic Albanians (54.3%), Turks (56.2%) are

concerned, while it is a minority support when Roma (45.8%) are concerned.With regards to the specific state functions, the Table below shows that there is generalacceptability for a member from other ethnic community to be found each of such functions, ratherthan a member from the community of the surveyed citizen, as well as the division according to thetwo largest communities.

Table 5: Acceptability for a Member of Other Ethnic Community to be Elected for (in %)

Yes No DK/NA Mac.* Alb.*

President of the Republic of Macedonia 39.5% 57.7% 2.8% 24.7% 74.4%

President of the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia 50.7% 46.0% 3.4% 40.0% 70.0%

President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia 41.5% 54.5% 4.1% 28.1% 71.0%

President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of

Macedonia49.3% 46.6% 4.1% 37.0% 75.6%

President of the Supreme Court of the Republic ofMacedonia

48.8% 46.8% 4.4% 35.7% 78.2%

President of the Republic Judiciary Council 53.6% 42.5% 3.9% 42.8% 77.5%

Public Prosecutor of the Republic of Macedonia 54.5% 41,9% 3.6% 44.3% 76.0%

Ombudsman of the Republic of Macedonia 54.4% 42.0% 3.6% 44.7% 72.9%

Minister of Foreign Affairs 48.0% 49.4% 2.6% 35.9% 76.0%

Minister of Defence 45.2% 51,6% 3.3% 31,6% 77.5%

Minister of Interior 44.6% 51,6% 3.8% 30.9% 76.3%

Minister of Justice 50.6% 46.0% 3.4% 39.3% 73.7%

Minister of Finance 54.9% 41,3% 3.7% 45.5% 76.3%

Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia 52.5% 42.6% 4.9% 41,6% 77.9%

Chief of General Staff of ARM 42.8% 53.0% 4.2% 28.0% 77.1%

* The last two columns (Macedonian and Albanian ethnic origin) give percentage for answers with Yes

57.3%

81.7%

98.9%

77.5%

38.0%

45.4%

38.4%

47.8%

45.8%

56.2%

54.3%

57.9%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Roma

Turkish

Albanian

Other

community

TotalMacedonianAlbanian


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Yes:72.3%

No:14.9%

DK/NA,:12.8%

Conclusions and Acceptability of Political Leadership from other Ethnic Community

Generally speaking, there is still a majority support (57.9%) for a member of other ethniccommunity to be elected to a high-ranking political function, but such support is in decline withregard to the one in 2009 (66%).

For the majority citizens of Macedonia, it is acceptable for a member of other ethnic community toassume one of the following offices (according to the proportion of answers with Yes and No,

from 1.3. to 1): Minister of Finance and Justice, Public Prosecutor, Ombudsman, President of theRepublic Judiciary Council, Governor of the National Bank, President of the Parliament, Presidentof the Constitutional and Supreme Court.

The support for a member of other ethnic communities to be elected for the office of: Minister ofForeign Affairs, Defence and Interior, Chief of General Staff of ARM is minority, and less acceptableis for the office of: President of the Government and President of the Republic of Macedonia.

In all the cases the support by the ethnic Macedonians (from 24% to 45%) is minority, while amongthe ethnic Albanians (from 70% to 78%) there is greater majority.

IV. FIGHT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION

Figure 14: I You are a Victim of Discrimination or Harassment Would You Request Protection from

Relevant Institutions/Organizations?

Overwhelming majority of citizens (72.3%) stated that in casethey were a victim of discrimination or harassment, they wouldreport the case.

However, this is not in line with the reality, when only 47 caseswere reported (solely to the Ombudsman) during the past threeyears, as well as the statements on some of the previousquestions presented above (about 19.1% victims and 23.4%witnesses of discrimination).

Figure 15: To whom would you refer to protection against discrimination?

In such a case, the citizens would beprimarily referring to the police (36.5%),the Ombudsman (21.5%), and than theCourt (11.9%) or a Lawyer (11.2%),while smaller part of them would referto some civil society organization(7.6%) or other institution. This is thepreferred order among all ethnic com-munities, with small exception amongthe ethnic Albanians, who would prima-rily refer to the Ombudsman, than to thePolice, while they would prefer courts

and civil society organizations first andthan the lawyers.

This outcome (trust in Police) is also partially contradictory to the perception of significantdiscrimination (55.7%) exactly in the police (the third of all mentioned institutions).

Conclusion on Institutions for Fight against Discrimination

Overwhelming majority, 72% of citizens would report a case of discrimination on grounds ofethnic origin if it would happen to them or if they were witnesses.

This is not in accordance with the answers to the questions on their personal experiences withcases of discrimination (victims or witnesses) of 31.9% and the practice (the number of reportedcases in the institution during the recent years, of about 20 cases annually all to the Ombudsmanof the Republic of Macedonia).

In contrast to the perception of discriminatory treatment by the police, the police is an institutionto which the greatest part of citizens would firstly address in case of discrimination (the ethnicAlbanians would refer first only to the Ombudsman and than to the police).

7.4

0.4

0.5

5.5

8.1

8.6

15.5

26.4

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

DK/NA

Other

Labour Union

Civil Society Organisation

Court

Lawyer

Ombudsman

Police

%


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Annex 1: Questionnaire for Discrimination and Harassment on the Grounds of Ethnic Origin

I. GENERAL CONTEXTQ1. Could you tell me what you think, how frequent is each of the given forms of discrimination inthe Republic of Macedonia? Discrimination on the grounds of...

VeryFrequently

RatherFrequently

RatherRare

Very RareNone Exist.(spontan.)

DK NA

1 Ethnic Origin

2 Sex/Gender

3 Sexual Orientation

4 Age

5 Religion or Religious Belief

6 Disability

7 Party Affiliation

Q2. (8) If you compare the present situation with the one five years before, would you say thatdiscrimination on ethnic grounds is more frequent or rarer?1 More frequent2 Rather frequent3 Neither more frequent, nor rarer (the same)4 Rather more rare5 Very much more rare

-1 I dont know (spontaneously) / -2 No answer (spontaneously)

Q3. Whether during the past 12 months:No Yes DK NA

9 You personally felt discriminated/harassed due to you ethnic origin?

10 You were a witness of discrimination or harassment due to ethnic origin?

11 Give examples

Q4. According to you, is there discrimination on ethnic grounds in provision of services by:No Yes DK NA

12Security and police (protection/interventions, issuance of licenses, certificates, travel documents,identity cards, citizenship and other).

13 Judiciary (prosecutor office, judiciary, institutions for sanctions enforcement and other)

14 Public finances (customs, taxes, denationalization)

15 Economy (import/export licenses, concessions, licenses)16 Agriculture (subsidies, licenses, access to IPARD funds)

17Health (health insurance, health services-examinations, treatment, prescriptions, orthopedic aids,child delivery)

18Education (enrolment in state schools, fellowship granting, accreditations, diplomasnostrification)

19 Social services (social welfare, adoption, other compensations)

20Culture (financial support to artists, institutions and projects: books, films, theatre performances,and other)

21Urbanism (construction licenses, apartments buy-out, construction land alienation, urban plansand other)

II. SECURITY AND POLICEQ5. With which of the following statements you agree, using a scale from 1 to 10

22

The police is protecting the public order

and security irrespective of the ethnicstructure of the community

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The police is not protecting the public order

and security in my community because ofthe ethnic structure

23The policies prosecuting criminalsirrespective of their ethnic origin

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10The police is prosecuting criminalsdepending on their ethnic origin

III. JUSTICE SYSTEMQ6. With which of the following statements you agree, using a scale from 1 to 10

Please tell me which of the following statements is closer to your viewpoint

24

The rule of law and enforcement of law iscarried out equally on the entire territory ofthe country, irrespective of the ethnicstructure

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The rule of law and enforcement of laws arenot carried out equally on the entire territoryof the country, depending on the ethnicstructure

25Courts carry put proceedings and definesanctions, irrespective of the ethnic origin

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Courts carry out proceedings and definesanctions depending on the ethnic origin


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Q15. (43) Do you believe that media instigate discrimination, stigmatization or harassment of someethnic community?0 No1 Yes-1 Dont know (spontaneously) / -2 No answer (spontaneously)

Q16. (44) According to you, which media in Macedonia instigates the most discrimination,stigmatization or harassment of some ethnic community? (spontaneous answers)

IX. MISCELLANEOUSQ17. Please, tell me which of the following statements is closer to your viewpoint

45Access to sports , recreation,entertainment, catering facilities should beequal for all citizens

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Sports , recreation, entertainment, cateringfacilities could be of club type to allowaccess only to members of particular ethnicgroup

46People should live in ethnically mixedsettlements

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10All should live in settlements with their ownethnic groups

X. LEADING FUNCTIONS AND FIGHTING AGAINST DISCRIMINATIONQ18. () Is it acceptable for you that for high ranking political function is elected a:

No Yes DK NA

47 Member of other ethnic community 0 1 -1 -2

48 Ethnic Albanian/he/she 0 1 -1 -2

49 Ethnic Turk/he/she 0 1 -1 -250 Ethnic Roma/he/she 0 1 -1 -2

Q19. Is it acceptable for you, a member from other ethnic community to be elected for?No Yes DK NA

51 President of the Republic of Macedonia

52 President of the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia

53 President of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia

54 President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Macedonia

55 President of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Macedonia

56 President of the Republic Judiciary Council

57 Public Prosecutor of the Republic of Macedonia

58 Ombudsman of the Republic of Macedonia

59 Minister of Foreign Affairs

60 Minister of Defence

61 Minister of Interior

62 Minister of Justice

63 Minister of Finance

64 Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia

65 Chief of General Staff of ARM

Q20. (66) If you were a victim of discrimination or harassment, would you ask for protection fromrelevant institutions, organizations?0 No1 Yes-1 Dont know (spontaneously) / -2 No answer (spontaneously)

Q21. (67) Where would you refer to ask for protection (choose one answer):1 Court2 Police

3 Ombudsman4 Lawyer5 Trade Union6 Civil Society Organization7 Miscellaneous-1 Dont know / -2 No answer


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Annex 2: Sample of Surveyed Citizens (1.074)

N1 (e68). Sex1 Man (52.9%)2 Woman (47.1%)

N2. Age1 From 30 years old (37.9%)2 From 31 to 40 years old (23.3%)3 From 41 to 50 years old (18.2%)4 From 51 to 60 years old (13.4%)5 Over 60 years old (7.2%)

N3 (e69). Ethnic Origin1 Macedonian (66.9%)2 Albanian (24.4%)3 Turk (2.0%)4 Roma (4.5%)

5 Serbian (2.0%)6 Vlah (0.1%)8 Other (0.2%)

N4 (e70). Do you belong to a specific religion?1 Orthodox (66.1%)2 Islamic (30.7%)3 Catholic (0.3%)4 Other (0.7%)

N5 (71). Irrespective whether you belong to a specific religion, do you believe that you are: Religiousperson (76.5%)2 Non-religious person (15.1%)

3 Atheist (2.0%)

N6 (e72). Employment Status1 Employed in public sector (18.0%)2 Employed in private sector (33.3%)3 Farmer (2.8%)4 Student (13.6%)5 Housewife (4.4%)6 Unemployed (20.8%)7 Pensioner (7.2%)

N7 (e73). Would you describe yourself as belonging to the:1 Upper class (4.1%)

2 Upper middle class (22.0%)3 Lower middle class (38.0%)4 Working class (23.2%)5 Lower class (7.2%)

N8 (74). Education1 Uncompleted primary (2.6%)2 Primary (11.3%)3 Secondary (48.9%)4 College, University (37.2%)

N9 (e75). Place of Residence1 Rural (village) (28.4%)

2 Urban (city) (54.4%)3 Skopje (17.2%)


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N10 (e76). To which group your family belongs? Please define the relevant amount of monthlyincome per member of the household, including all income of the family in

To 1.500Den

1.500 -3.000Den

3.000 4.000Den

4.000 5.000Den

5.000 6.500Den

6.500 8.000Den

8.001 11.000Den

11.001 -15.000Den

15.001 -24.000Den

Over24.000Den

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

5.0% 7.4% 6.9% 7.5% 9.5% 9.4% 13.4% 12.3% 12.4% 11.8%

N11 (e77). In political sense, people speak about left and right orientation (rightist/leftist). Withyour convictions and views, where would you find yourself on the following scale?from 1 to 5 left (22.6%)from 6 to 10 right (23.1%)-1 I dont know-2 No answer

N12 (e78). To which party are you a follower?VMRO-DPMNE (15.2%)SDSM (10.8%)DUI (7.5%)DPA (3.2%)ND (1.5%)

N13 (e79). Region1 Skopje (24.2%)2 South-East (7.1%)3 Eastern (11.2%)4 North-East (9.3%)5 Vardar (6.5%)6 South-West (10.6%)7 Polog (16.3%)8 Pelagonia (14.8%)


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Annex 3: Topic in Focus-Groups

1. Understanding, reasons and awareness about the dissemination of ethnic discrimination

2. Why you believe that there is difference between you experience and the opinion that the ethnicdiscrimination is disseminated?

3. Why the Police would behave differently depending on the ethnic community?

4. Ethnic preference during distribution of the budget and non-payment of taxes

5. Ethnic preference during employment in state and private sector

6. Acceptability of ethnically mixed schools

7. Acceptability of persons from other ethnic community for public offices

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Discrimination Based on Ethnic Affiliation 2011

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